Ukraine's Ombudsman Office Publishes a Comprehensive Guide for Prisoners of War and Their Families

A Guide for Those Deprived of Liberty Due to Russian Aggression

According to Главком: The Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights has developed a 'Roadmap' for individuals deprived of liberty due to Russian aggression and their families. This document provides a clear action plan, outlines legal guarantees, and offers instructions for engaging with state authorities. Its primary goal is to streamline the process of obtaining aid for prisoners of war, detained civilians, and their relatives. This initiative addresses a critical need for clarity and support amidst the ongoing conflict.

To improve communication with state bodies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has established the position of Ambassador-at-Large for issues related to prisoners of war, detained civilians, and missing persons. Dmytro Ponomarenko, who previously served as Ukraine's Ambassador to the Republic of Korea and concurrently to Mongolia, has been appointed to this role.

Key Areas Covered by the Roadmap

The Roadmap addresses several vital areas, including:

• State financial assistance;
• Procedures for payments to those released from captivity and to families of those still imprisoned;
• Social protection, labor rights, job retention, and educational opportunities;
• Financial obligations, including the right to defer credit payments;
• Access to free medical and psychological rehabilitation;
• Procedures for searching for and identifying missing persons.

Relatives can learn how to file a missing person report and obtain an extract from the Register of Persons Missing Under Special Circumstances. The document also details the procedure for obtaining materials from official investigations and submitting inquiries to investigative bodies.

For consultations and information, relatives can contact the Ombudsman's Office hotline at 0 800 50 17 20. A significant provision is that relatives of persons missing during the war with Russia have a legal right to defer mobilization. This measure is designed to alleviate the emotional and social burden on families already enduring immense hardship.

This initiative represents a crucial step in safeguarding the rights and meeting the needs of individuals who have become victims of aggression, as well as their loved ones.

The 'Roadmap' aims not only to simplify interactions with state institutions but also to provide essential support to families navigating these difficult times. The creation of the Ambassador-at-Large position is expected to facilitate more effective resolution of issues concerning prisoners of war and missing persons, a vital aspect of the ongoing humanitarian effort.

In addition to the newly released guide, the Defense Ministry has outlined a comprehensive support framework for individuals who have been freed from captivity. This two-tier system not only addresses immediate financial assistance but also focuses on long-term rehabilitation needs, ensuring that released prisoners of war receive the necessary support to reintegrate into society effectively.